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Stadiums on the frontlines: How can sports arenas double as emergency shelters?

As American cities confront escalating climate change impacts, the convergence of stadium construction and climate adaptation strategies prompts a critical examination of stadiums as public assets. In this article, the authors explore the potential for professional sports stadiums to serve as emergency response centers during extreme weather events and disasters.


Leveraging stadiums as emergency response centers not only addresses the prevailing "management-by-disaster mentality" but also underscores their role as essential public goods. By proactively designating stadiums for emergency use, cities can justify public investments in stadium construction while enhancing community resilience. As climate-related challenges persist, stadiums could emerge as vital hubs for safeguarding lives and promoting urban sustainability.


CITE: Kellison, T., Orr, M., & Watanabe, N. M. (2023). The nonexcludable function of sports stadiums in climate-changed cities. Sport in Society, 26 (12), 1979–1998. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2023.2227588


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